Honolulu mayor calls for scaled down version of rail project

HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has called for a scaled down version of the city’s multi-billion rail project, saying the city must stay inside “revenue boundaries.”

Caldwell’s proposal presented Thursday comes after he previously said shortening the 20-mile route could threaten jobs, affordable housing and ridership. The mayor is now recommending the project be built only to Middle Street, or about 5 miles shorter.

Caldwell told the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board he wants to see the rail eventually go all the way to Ala Moana Center, but as of right now, the city can’t afford it.

The city can only cover about $6.8 billion of the project’s estimated $8 billion cost.

Federal officials have asked the board to submit a report by Aug. 7 detailing alternative ways to finish the project on budget.